calibrate
Americanverb (used with object)
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to determine, check, or rectify the graduation of (any instrument giving quantitative measurements).
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to divide or mark with gradations, graduations, or other indexes of degree, quantity, etc., as on a thermometer, measuring cup, or the like.
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to determine the correct range for (an artillery gun, mortar, etc.) by observing where the fired projectile hits.
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to plan or devise (something) carefully so as to have a precise use, application, appeal, etc..
a sales strategy calibrated to rich investors.
verb
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to measure the calibre of (a gun, mortar, etc)
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to mark (the scale of a measuring instrument) so that readings can be made in appropriate units
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to determine the accuracy of (a measuring instrument, etc)
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to determine or check the range and accuracy of (a piece of artillery)
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To check, adjust, or standardize a measuring instrument, usually by comparing it with an accepted model.
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To measure the diameter of the inside of a tube.
Other Word Forms
- calibrater noun
- calibration noun
- calibrator noun
- recalibrate verb (used with or without object)
- uncalibrated adjective
Etymology
Origin of calibrate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Authorities coordinate with airlines to carve out the safest corridors, and planes calibrate their altitude to minimize their time in threat zones.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
U.S. stocks are getting some support from the bond market in early Monday trading, as investors begin to calibrate how damage from the war in Iran will affect growth in the world’s biggest economy.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
Williams said such research plays a critical role in helping an independent Fed to calibrate the level of interest rates and support the economy to the best of its ability.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026
The prime minister insisted on what he saw as the merits of "calm discussion" - but had to judge how to calibrate his response, both publicly and privately.
From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026
It’s true that every writer must calibrate the degree of specialization in her language against her best guess of the audience’s familiarity with the topic.
From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
